Q&A: Reciting a Blessing over Turning on a Light before the Sabbath
Reciting a Blessing over Turning on a Light before the Sabbath
Question
Hello Rabbi,
If we know the reason for lighting Sabbath candles—that it is so we should have light and not trip over things—isn't it obvious that one should specifically recite the blessing over turning on electric lights before the Sabbath begins? (And then, say, add candle-lighting as well for anyone who feels it does something good for their soul.)
Answer
In principle, it's possible, but in my opinion there are reasons why we nevertheless light candles:
The custom of our ancestors.
Electricity is the normal state of affairs, so it isn't evident that this is in honor of the Sabbath. Candle-lighting, although instituted for a practical reason, became a Sabbath symbol.
It needs to be lit at the onset of the Sabbath, whereas the light is on all the time.
Discussion on Answer
Yes, but that's an artificial shutting off just in order to turn it back on. The light is on anyway. With candles, it's a genuine lighting.
It's not advisable to rely only on electricity, because power outages do happen.
Candles are preferable, since they'll definitely burn according to the amount of oil or paraffin.
I understand, thanks.
Bim Bam Boom Zuta: You can find a solution with emergency lighting, and then you still achieve the goal of domestic peace, because people won't bump into things and can see, etc.
Can you turn on a light before Havdalah?
And is it permissible to make Havdalah through the phone?
Of course after saying, "Blessed is He who separates between holy and mundane."
I don't understand the question. How are you lighting the fire for the Havdalah candle?
What does it mean to do it through the phone? To hear someone over the phone and thereby fulfill your obligation? Opinions are divided, but in my view, yes.
What I mean is this: suppose I don't have a prayer book to read Havdalah from—am I allowed to turn on my phone in order to make Havdalah and read it from the internet?
Is that really equivalent to lighting the candle?
Absolutely. What's the difference?
Thanks,
of course the intention is to turn it off if necessary and then turn it on, and then all the more so to indicate with the blessing that it's in honor of the Sabbath.